We devote a lot of space in Running Times to elite coaches, as they direct the training of those who do this sport best. But in most every town across the country you'll find club and team coaches who help locally competitive runners refine their training and achieve their goals. We interviewed a few of these coaches, both to bring recognition to their work and to get their top advice for less-than-elite runners. You'll find their advice is remarkably similar: Consistency is the key. And it helps to have coaches like them to provide the motivation, team spirit and diversity of training necessary to bring out the best in a runner.